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The Dr. Wayne Gulliver Project
Dr. Wayne Gulliver's influence extended beyond the lab, the academy, the clinic, and the lecture hall. He was a beloved and respected figure within the pharmaceutical and biotech communities. For Dr. Gulliver, interactions with drug reps and medical liason managers were never exclusively transactional. He took an interest in everyone who crossed his path, and developed strong friendships with pharma personnel, valuing them as colleagues. For that, he received a Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame award in 2015, a rare honour for a physician. Wayne was moved by the recognition.
A documentary film directed by Nimisha Mukerji describes the patient journey of Andrew Gosse of Paradise, NL. Mr. Gosse had nearly full-body coverage with psoriasis, and received biologic treatment from Wayne Gulliver in 2009. He says, "Dr. Gulliver has given my wife back her husband. He’s given my children back their father.” An article in the Memorial University Gazette describes Dr. Gulliver's gratitude to Mr. Gosse and other families who have participated in drug trials. Read this extraordinary account here.
On winning the 'Nobel Prize of Dermatology'
On winning the 'Nobel Prize of Dermatology'
Dr. Wayne Gulliver was awarded the prestigious Dr. Albert Neisser Lecture Award at the 8th European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation Conference in Wroclaw, Poland.
This honour is considered by many in the field to be the "Nobel Prize of Dermatology," and Dr. Gulliver is not only the 15th recipient since its inception in 2005 but also the very first Canadian to receive it. The award is named for the pioneering German dermatologist who discovered gonorrhea and became a professor extraordinarius at the age of 29.
Dr. Gulliver was recognized for his nearly 30 years of dedicated research and clinical work on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful, long-term skin disease that affects 1-2% of the population and for which there is no known cure. "It felt great being associated with Professor Neisser," Gulliver said from his clinic. "To have my name associated with his and with 400 of my colleagues being there, it felt really, really nice."
Here's a link to a pre-proof of an "In Memoriam" article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, dedicated to Dr. Gulliver, authored by Bruce Strober, MD, PhD of Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Strober is President of the International Psoriasis Council. The article (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2025.10.060) details Dr. Gulliver's essential contributions to dermatology, particularly his extensive work in psoriasis research and treatment. It highlights his roles in genetic studies of psoriasis in the Newfoundland population, his involvement in developing topical and systemic treatments, such as the calcipotriol/betamethasone combination and new cyclosporin formulations, and his leadership in clinical trials for targeted psoriasis therapies. The piece highlights his legacy as an outstanding clinician, researcher, teacher, and advocate, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications, noting that his passion and commitment have profoundly advanced the field globally.
Beyond his immense scientific and clinical achievements, Dr. Gulliver is remembered for his remarkable personal character and unwavering dedication. His colleagues recall his "generosity, passion, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people with psoriasis." He demonstrated incredible resilience, continuing to make significant contributions to international dermatology even while coping with "serious health issues." His passing is a profound loss for the global medical community. As Dr. Strober concludes in his tribute, "He will be deeply missed as a respected colleague, mentor, and dedicated advocate for those living with psoriasis."
Strober B, In Memoriam Dr. Wayne Peter Francis Gulliver, MD, FRCPC March 4, 1958, to September 5, 2025, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2025), doi: https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2025.10.060
The International Psoriasis Council, describing Dr. Gulliver as a luminous figure in dermatology and psoriasis research, has made a donation in his memory to recognize his lasting impact on the psoriasis community. The IPC's tribute to him appears here.
Those who wish to make a similar contribution may consider donating to First Light (Newfoundland and Labrador), the Prosthetics Department at the Miller Centre of NL Health Services, or the Vera Perlin Society. First Light is a registered charity and non-profit organization based in Newfoundland and Labrador, dedicated to revitalizing and celebrating Indigenous cultures and languages. Dr. Gulliver was a passionate ally of Indigenous health causes and proudly wore orange each Friday in honour of truth and reconciliation.
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